Tree of Ages Box Set

by Sara C. Roethle

  As far as Kai knew, none of them knew just what mystical powers the Faie Queen’s shroud held, but it was rumored to be a uniting factor amongst the Faie. If the rumors were true, the simple piece of cloth could make its owner the most powerful ruler in the land. Powerful enough to wipe out entire cities with a thought. Powerful enough to defeat not only the armies of the great cities, but the Ceàrdaman, the Reivers, and even Finn’s people, the Dair . . . unless the Faie Queen herself was of the Dair.

  Kai shook his head. Perhaps if all remaining factions banded together, they might stand a chance, but old hatreds and fears lived on, ready to conquer any shreds of bravery or common sense that might stand in the way. If this Faie Queen truly existed, and managed to obtain the shroud, they were quite likely doomed.

  Óengus tugged at the leather cord in his gloved hand. The creature at the other end fought him, but eventually lost ground and was yanked back into submission. He looped the cord around the pommel of his horse’s saddle, then scowled down at the beast, which had once again pressed its sharp beak, held shut with another leather cord, to the ground. It went half mad when it caught certain scents, ruffling its sparse white feathers while trying to spread its wings, also tied down with cords. Its talons scratched at the rocky ground as it once again tried to pull itself forward.

  Óengus’ men eyed the creature warily, occasionally shifting their gazes to him, then quickly looking away. They would have killed the creature, had he not intervened. He would have killed it himself, had he not been informed that it belonged to a woman with long, dirty blonde hair, riding with a man who fit Kai’s description. He had little doubt the scent the creature so dutifully followed belonged to Finn. Though the reports had claimed she was on horseback, the creature seemed quite intent to follow a certain path.

  Óengus knew an opportunity when it bit him on the nose, much like the creature would likely do if he unbound its beak. For now, he would allow it to lead them to Finn. Perhaps upon finding her, the creature would then prove a useful bargaining tool.

  His horse danced beneath him, and he turned as the rest of his men approached, finished scouring the small burgh for signs of their quarry. Óengus knew in his gut they had already escaped, but it would not do to leave any evidence ungathered.

  Over their shoulders the men carried sacks of supplies, and led a few new horses, likely stolen and not paid for. Military men always seemed to think lowly townsfolk owed them something.

  Óengus sneered, then gave the creature another tug. He would be glad to be rid of them all soon.

  Giving his men the signal that it was time to move on, he slackened the tension on the creature’s restraints. With a squeal, muffled by its closed beak, it took off at a scurrying run. His horse galloped after it, followed by the thundering hoofbeats of his men.

  He knew he was close to locating Finn, and not Iseult, nor the Faie, would stand in the way of his success. There was too much at stake.

  An entire army of Faie would have been less frightening than the past three days for Anders. Finally, Niklas had declared it time to depart, after he’d had his fill of fine food and vintage wine.

  Now, Anders’ mother eyed him sternly. She looked just how he imagined Branwen would if she ever made it to her mother’s current age. Her tawny hair had strands of gray at the temples, but her honey brown eyes were just as clear and alert as ever.

  “And you’ll be bringing your sister back next time you come home?” she asked for the hundredth time.

  “Yes mother,” he sighed. “I assure you, I will not come home again without her.”

  “You shouldn’t have come home without her at all,” she said, also for the hundredth time. “I cannot believe you’d leave her alone in some unprotected burgh to the North.”

  “She’s fine,” he lied. As far as he knew, her wounded body was somewhere up North. Whether or not she was in a burgh, he did not know.

  His father had already gone about his work, leaving only Anders’ mother to see him off. It was just as well. He was once again facing the idea of never seeing either of them again. It was easier just to say goodbye to one. The meaner one.

  He gave his mother a light kiss on the cheek, then turned to go with Niklas at his side. The gates were opened for them, and soon enough they were back on the road. He was glad to at least have fresh supplies. Niklas would not be able to starve him like he had before. Though, judging by how much the Traveler could eat in one sitting, he would not be surprised if their supplies did not last long.

  “So where is Branwen?” Anders asked as they walked back in the same direction they’d come. “I’ve fulfilled my end of the bargain, now it’s time to fulfill yours.”

  “In time,” was all Niklas said in reply.

  Anders frowned, thinking of the red-haired woman they’d met in the high wing of the Archive. Niklas had planned a meeting with her, but surely he didn’t expect Anders to come.

  He glanced at his companion, noting his eerie smile on skin suddenly returned to ghostly pale. He knew the Travelers always kept their deals, but often not in the way one might hope. He was a fool to trust Niklas at all, but what else could he have done?

  Sighing, he turned his gaze to the long road ahead. He was a victim of circumstance, caught up in a game he could not escape. He had never really believed in fate, but only an overpowering force like destiny could put a man’s life in such horrible shambles. His father had always told him destiny was a cruel mistress. His father was a wise man.

  Chapter Ten

  Bedelia chewed her lip, unable to deny her body the small expression of anxiety. She had been prepared to divulge everything to Iseult. To let him be her judge, and perhaps her executioner. Then they’d had to leave Badenmar so quickly she hadn’t the chance to explain herself.

  Now he eyed her warily, clearly desiring a moment to speak alone. While she was grateful he hadn’t forced her to speak in front of their entire group, the prolonged tension was making her ill. She was more frightened of telling Finn the truth than she was of Keiren, Óengus, and all of the Faie combined, but she refused to cower from her punishment. If Iseult did not kill her, Keiren would. She knew her fate. The least she could do was die with honor.

  She glanced at Iseult and Finn. Finn was slumped forward against Iseult’s back, fast asleep. She must have been exhausted from whatever she’d done to heal Kai. Those details, however, would likely never be explained once they’d discovered her dastardly truth.

  “I believe it’s safe to stop now,” Anna groaned. “Surely An Fiach will not be able to track us all this way over such rocky terrain.”

  Bedelia was not sure about that, but stopping sounded nice. It was only late midday, but they’d been traveling since morning. Her legs felt stiff, her back was sore, and she knew the others must have been feeling the same, especially Sativola, who hadn’t undergone any miraculous healing like Kai.

  Without a word, Iseult drew his horse to a halt and dismounted, then helped a sleepy Finn down from the saddle behind him, taking her effortlessly in his arms before walking a few paces and setting her down on the stump of a massive felled tree. She rubbed at her eyes, then hunched forward, encasing her knees in the drape of her cloak.

  Everyone else dismounted, but kept their horses near should a quick escape be needed. Small rations of cured lamb and dried fruit were passed around, then everyone settled in on the rocky ground to rest their weary bones.

  Bedelia avoided eye contact with Iseult, hoping he would not choose this moment to pull her aside. All she wanted in that moment was to be still, to rest her arms and legs, and fill her belly. Setting her remaining portion of fruit on the leg of her breeches, she lifted her arms over her head to stretch, keeping the end of Rada’s reins in one palm, though the animal was not likely to run off.

  With a sigh, she began to lower her arms, then searing pain shot through her shoulder. Finn screamed and jumped up from her stump to rush toward her, but Iseult intercepted her and shielded her with his body.
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br />   Feeling dumbstruck as everyone drew their weapons, Bedelia looked down at her shoulder to see the shiny tip of an arrow protruding through the cloth of her tunic, which slowly became saturated with blood.

  Finn screamed as another arrow cut through the air, narrowly missing her chest as Iseult spun her aside. Had An Fiach found them so soon? She caught brief glimpses of figures surrounding them, bows and weapons raised. She clung to Iseult’s arm around her waist, half wanting to fight against him to aid Bedelia, and half wanting to remain near him where she felt safe.

  She whipped her head from side to side, trying to keep all of their attackers within sight. Their foe slowly closed in around them, revealing themselves to be not An Fiach, but the oddly armored riders they’d seen near the valley.

  Their helmets were made of dull silver metal, curving upward artfully like symmetrical ocean waves away from delicate-boned faces. Their body armor was composed of plates of the same type of metal, with overlapping points like the scales of a spined lizard. One stepped forward from the rest, his narrow eyes intent on Finn. He lifted his odd helmet from his head, revealing large, pointed ears, and black hair like spider silk. His skin was as pale and smooth as a freshly made snowbank.

  He knelt and bowed his head, obscuring his face with his silken hair. “Forgive me. I did not realize we were attacking one of the Dair until it was too late.”

  Finn pulled away from Iseult, her hand raised to her mouth in surprise. Bedelia hobbled to Finn’s other side, arrow still protruding from her shoulder.

  “Who are you?” Finn asked, hoping her ignorance would not incite further attack. They’d only fired a few arrows so far, but had ceased as soon as they’d gotten close.

  The man before her stood, bracing his helmet beneath one armored arm. His eyes were a deep blue, reminding Finn of the sea right before a storm hit. “I am Eywen, and we are the Aos Sí,” he explained. “You have trespassed on our lands, a penalty punishable by death, but we did not realize one of the Dair would travel with,” he hesitated, glancing around at the rest of her party, “humans.”

  “Who is your leader?” Iseult asked, but the Aos Sí simply glanced at him, then turned his gaze back to Finn.

  “The Faie Queen demands that any Dair who cross our lands be brought before her,” he continued. “Forgive me, the Aos Sí know better than to anger your people, but we must insist.”

  She did her best not to balk at him. Just like the Merrow girl in Ainfean, this man had known she was one of the Dair on sight. And now he wanted to bring her to the Faie Queen? Was she one of the Dair as well, as the Merrow girl had suggested?

  She shook her thoughts away. “And what of my companions?” she asked, glancing warily around at the rest of the Aos Sí surrounding them. She supposed they were some sort of Faie, though they looked far more human than most, except perhaps the Merrows. Though she wanted to know more about them, firstly she had to keep her companions safe. Bedelia was barely standing and would need treatment soon.

  Eywen’s deep blue eyes flicked to Iseult, looking him up and down as if assessing the threat he might pose. “They may accompany you, of course,” he agreed with a small bow. “We have made a grave mistake in injuring one of your companions. Please, allow us to tend her wounds.”

  Bedelia gave Finn a terrified look, but when two more of the Aos Sí stepped forward, she allowed them to examine the arrow.

  Finn was startled as she glanced behind her. At some point, without drawing her notice, Kai, Anna, and Sativola had stepped up close behind her and Iseult.

  “Call me mad,” Kai whispered, “but perhaps we shouldn’t so willingly visit the Faie Queen.”

  Eywen shifted his gaze past Finn to Kai. His nostrils flared, then his eyes widened in surprise. “Two of the Dair,” he observed, “our offense is even greater.”

  Finn glanced back at Kai in confusion, then realization dawned on her. She didn’t look any different from a human, so it had to be her blood or magic that made her stand apart, and she’d given a bit of both to Kai.

  “Can you sense the Dair?” she asked Eywen hesitantly.

  He shook his head. “I can,” he cleared his throat nervously, “smell you, my lady. The blood of the Dair is unique indeed.”

  She pursed her lips in thought. So it was the blood she gave Kai that made the Aos Sí think him Dair, though perhaps the Faie Queen would see the truth.

  “While I appreciate you making amends,” she said politely, “we really must continue on our journey. I fear we do not have much time.”

  Eywen frowned. “My lady, attending the Queen is not a choice, it is a necessity, and before you inflict your wrath upon us, please be aware the Aos Sí are great in number. Kill us all, and there will simply be more to replace us.”

  Finn opened her mouth to argue, but no words came to her.

  “We should probably just go with them,” Kai whispered, glancing around at the armed soldiers.

  Bedelia made a grunt of pain as one of the Aos Sí broke the arrow, then another worked it out of her flesh, pushing the point forward until the broken end came free. Her clothing and armor had been pulled away to reveal her bare skin, which the two Aos Sí began to bandage.

  Eywen glanced at Bedelia, then turned his gaze back to Finn. The other Aos Sí had taken possession of their frightened horses, and now led them forward.

  “The Queen is not far,” he explained, offering Finn his arm. “I will escort you. Your horses will be well tended.”

  Finn nodded nervously, then slipped her hand through his arm. His armor was cold beneath her touch. He began to lead her away, with her friends following close behind.

  As they walked the air grew increasingly cold, and eventually, snowflakes began to fall. Her arm still resting in Eywen’s, Finn looked up at the soft, fuzzy flakes drifting down. She had a feeling they would soon learn of their source. Perhaps she was not the only one who could control the natural aspects of her environment.

  Faie Queen, indeed.

  Kai tried to avoid the gazes of the Aos Sí surrounding them. One of the strange warriors supported Bedelia’s weight with an arm beneath her shoulders, but the rest of them were allowed to walk unhindered . . . unless you counted Finn’s arm intertwined with Eywen’s.

  It had started snowing not long into their walk. Though the flurries had died down, they now walked through slush made by the many sets of footprints that had gone before them. It seemed the snow in this area was not recent, and more of a permanent draping.

  The icy landscape ahead was dotted with wooden barricades and more Aos Sí warriors standing at attention.

  Anna had pulled her cloak over her head, and now peered at Kai from within its deep shadows. “Where could they all have come from?” she whispered softly.

  His gaze flicked to their escort, quickly catching her meaning. After the Faie War, most of the creatures of myth had disappeared. All except the Ceàrdaman, who debatably weren’t even of Faie blood. They were obviously back now, but where had they all been hiding? Trow he could understand, blending in with the forests, and the smaller Faie who had a tendency to fade from sight at their leisure, but the Aos Sí? They seemed close to human, just like the Ceàrdaman. Surely they could not have simply faded away like the other Faie.

  Finally, Kai shook his head. “Perhaps we’ll soon find out.”

  Anna turned her gaze down to the mucky snow beneath her boots. Sativola had remained silent at her other side, though he appeared to be seriously questioning his continued association with any of them.

  They reached the first of the barricades, but did not slow. Instead, Eywen gave an elaborate hand gesture to one of his men, then continued onward down the main path. After passing several more barricades, the Aos Sí’s lodgings came into view. Dotting the landscape in large clusters were small, circular wooden huts, the snow covered rooftops emitting woodsmoke through vents. Upon closer view, the entrances were draped with animal hides to keep out the cold, though some had been pulled back, revealing modes
t sleeping spaces and not much else.

  Continuing on, some buildings were larger, but similar in structure, until at last they reached the settlement’s hub. Looming there was a massive oval stone edifice with a heavy wooden door mounted in the center, and multiple guards posted on either side.

  Standing before the entrance, Eywen made another hand gesture, and one of the guards turned to open the door, revealing a wide arched entrance. Eywen led Finn inside, closely followed by Iseult, then everyone else. Two more of the armored Aos Sí followed them inside, then shut the door.

  Remaining alert to any signs of danger, Kai peered around their surroundings in awe. The interior of the building was deceivingly spacious, with several closed doors leading to other unknown areas. Narrow slits in the stone wall served as windows, their sparse light accompanied by countless white candles, burning in sconces on the walls and on the surface of large shelves and a massive central table.

  At the table sat a woman with pure white skin and hair. Her lustrous tresses blended in with her white gown which shimmered as if encrusted with tiny clear jewels. Her features resembled those of the male and female Aos Sí at her sides, though they both had more color to them, with long, black hair like Eywen’s. In fact, most of the Aos Sí they’d seen so far had dark hair, though not always pure black.

  The woman blinked lilac colored eyes at them, then gestured with one white-clad arm for them to sit. “I did not expect to find any of the Dair so easily, though I see there are humans among you as well.”

  Kai watched as Eywen led Finn forward, then pulled out a seat for her, opposite the woman he could only assume was the Faie Queen. Then Eywen surprised him by pulling out another seat, gesturing for him to take it.